05-17-2006, 12:46 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Rodents are prime chow for many species. I used to catch big trout as a kid in Idaho by floating a mouse on a small board until it reached a deep hole. Then I would pull the mouse off and watch it try to outswim the big trout that lived there. KABLOOSH.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I don't think the fish at Strawberry deliberately cruise the shallows looking for mice and potguts. But, if they find a swimmer (or a floater) they are probably patterned to gulp it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Up in Montana, quite a few years ago, I was taken fishing for the big "bull trout" on the Flathead river. Our bait gathering equipment included a 22 rifle. Before we got to the water, the guy I was with shot a few ground squirrels. When we got to the water, he skinned out a hind leg off one of those rodents and pinned it on a hook. I laughed until I saw the 10 pound bull trout that ate it. Caught several that day...all on meat.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Anybody who has hung around small ponds and lakes in the evening has usually witnessed bass or pike exploding on baby muskrats, mice, frogs or even small ducks. Most folks don't know that catfish will also eat those same critters alive, if they can get them, but won't pass up a "well aged" dinner of them either.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I don't think the fish at Strawberry deliberately cruise the shallows looking for mice and potguts. But, if they find a swimmer (or a floater) they are probably patterned to gulp it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Up in Montana, quite a few years ago, I was taken fishing for the big "bull trout" on the Flathead river. Our bait gathering equipment included a 22 rifle. Before we got to the water, the guy I was with shot a few ground squirrels. When we got to the water, he skinned out a hind leg off one of those rodents and pinned it on a hook. I laughed until I saw the 10 pound bull trout that ate it. Caught several that day...all on meat.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Anybody who has hung around small ponds and lakes in the evening has usually witnessed bass or pike exploding on baby muskrats, mice, frogs or even small ducks. Most folks don't know that catfish will also eat those same critters alive, if they can get them, but won't pass up a "well aged" dinner of them either.[/#0000ff]
[signature]